ATTENTION:
Based on recent global events, COVID19, federal and state mandates, and circumstances beyond our control, many of our vendors and partners COULD NOT provide their business or service to us.
In response to these developments, and with very heavy hearts, the AOF MEGAFEST has postponed the 2020 event until 2021. Other local festivals such as Anthem and Electric Daisy carnival have canceled their events entirely. We fought postponing up to the very last moment and we are deeply saddened by the turn of events. All accepted 2020 works will be screened live during the combined 2020/2021 event that will run 7.26.2021 to 8.1.2021. 2020 Award winners will be honored at the live award show that is dedicated to them. Seminars, after-parties, events, screenings, and the film market will all be live.
Thank you for your understanding.
Stay safe, stay healthy, keep creating and
God Bless you all!
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In its inaugural year, the Conquering Disabilities with Film International Film Festival seeks to recognize, serve, and honor the mentally ill artist who is using art to heal themselves. CDWFIFF is part of the successful AOF Megafest. Now in its 16th year, MegaFest will host the Conquering Disabilities with Film International Film Festival.
Vegas, a tourist destination for so many reasons, now has one more event to draw you into its vibrant nightlife. All screenings and events will take place in the heart of Las Vegas, NV at various locations. Your work will screen in state of the art theaters NOT in hotel meeting rooms, bars, halls, libraries, etc.
The directors at CDWFIFF along with the AOF MegaFest, have created a positive respectful environment to encourage dialogue and foster growth and understanding in an industry that is known for looking the other way. At CDWIFF you are understood, welcomed, and loved. You are at home.
CDWFIFF seeks and accepts all genres of films, shorts, features, narratives, documentaries, written word, photography, art, and music. The stipulation is that the work must deal with mental illness. Either the crew (director, DP, writer, talent) has a person who is struggling with or has overcome mental illness, depression, anxiety etc., or a crew member is a caregiver to a person with mental illness. We will also accept projects that are about mental issues. All submissions must include in their cover letter what requirement (s) the project fulfills.
CDWFIFF seeks screenplay submissions of all lengths/all genres that either cover the topic of mental illness or are the works of screenwriters dealing with mental illness themselves. We accept features, shorts, TV and Web Series Pilots, short shorts, and scenes, and poems. All submissions must include in their cover letter what requirement (s) the project fulfills.
CDWFIFF also wants musical scores and soundtracks, songs, lyrics, storyboards, and poster art by individuals dealing with mental illness or content covering mental health topics.
CDWFIFF recognizes that Art has always been a means of healing and transformation. It is now time to recognize the artist.
Every Accepted Submission will receive Selection Laurels.
Every Accepted creator will receive 1 all- access creator badge allowing access to all screenings (except charity or private), all seminars (except except charity or specialty), and after parties (except charity or private).
Every Winner will receive Laurels and a certificate or trophy/plaque.
Software to top winners.
Specialty Awards
The Overcomer Award for Screenwriting-given to a screenwriter with mental illness.
The Stigma Busting Award- given to an exceptionally talented mentally ill director.
The Gemini Award (for Actor)- given to an exceptionally talented actor with mental illness
The Gemini Award (for Actress)- given to an exceptionally talented actress with mental illness
The Melissa Goodman Caregiver Award- to be given to film or script which portrays the importance of the caregiver/mentally ill client relationship.